This interdisciplinary text reader addresses the issues of race, class, gender and justice, and provides a thoughtful introduction to their significance for the law and criminal justice system.

This book incorporates recent articles by top experts in the field. The variety of articles and range of topics covered provide balanced coverage of all areas of the criminal justice system. Each section begins with a substantial overview that sets a conceptual framework for future analysis. By systematically addressing stratification issues, the authors emphasize the fact that the law and the criminal justice system reflect the larger society in which they operate.